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speed

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun speed contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of speed are dispatch, expedition, haste, and hurry. While all these words mean "quickness in movement or action," speed suggests swift efficiency in movement or action.

exercises to increase your reading speed

How are the words expedition and dispatch related as synonyms of speed?

Expedition and dispatch both imply speed and efficiency in handling affairs but expedition stresses ease or efficiency of performance and dispatch stresses promptness in concluding matters.

the case came to trial with expedition
paid bills with dispatch

Where would haste be a reasonable alternative to speed?

The words haste and speed can be used in similar contexts, but haste applies to personal action and implies urgency and precipitancy and often rashness.

marry in haste

When might hurry be a better fit than speed?

The synonyms hurry and speed are sometimes interchangeable, but hurry often has a strong suggestion of agitated bustle or confusion.

in the hurry of departure she forgot her toothbrush

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of speed
Noun
The meteors can streak across the sky at blistering speeds of up to 148,000 mph, so keeping a wide view helps. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until combined. Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Phoenix police were looking for the driver of a speeding Tesla that hit a bicyclist who died. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025 Boura said that the effects of Operation Warp Speed included delivering a new platform, which could help speed up the development of cancer treatments in the future. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for speed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speed
Noun
  • Hawke sells all of Hart’s delusions, destructive impulses, and high-velocity downward spirals with an energy that keeps this bitchy, old-school collection of bon mots and screwball bickering moving along nicely.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Almost all spacecraft sent to deep space — including the Voyager probes, Juno, Cassini-Huygens, and Galileo — must execute gravity assist maneuvers, slingshotting around planets to gain velocity for their vast treks.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an April 2021 Vogue Life In Looks interview, the Goop founder discussed why the outfit has remained a fan favorite for decades.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • From sheets to robes, Brooklinen has tons of favorites among our editors for the brand’s quality materials—including the collection of pillows.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The improvements mark the latest development in unmanned weapons systems that play an increasingly important role in the war with Russia, as both sides race to stay ahead in drone warfare on land, in the air and at sea.
    Anastasiia Malenko, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Companies in all industries are racing to automate, consolidate, and cut costs before real regulation catches up.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Delinquency rates for borrowers with higher scores have remained relatively stable.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Six weeks into the season, the Colts lead the NFL in dropback success rate, largely on the backs of their diverse, dynamic group of pass catchers.
    Robert Mays, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Our egos and self-interests and preferences and quirks – these are very difficult to blend in a cohesive fashion.
    Nick Tzitzon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Each morning, butlers set up our cabana and coolers, remembering our drink and snack preferences.
    Essence, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But with victory comes hustle as stores hurried to fill the demand of playoff gear.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The only surefire way to avoid this modern-day traveler's burnout is by taking the path less traveled.
    Travel + Leisure, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Law previously shared updates of Kinley as a baby, including the two of them traveling, playing together and dressing up.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • People in north Gaza thus started to rush to their relatives’ and friends’ homes searching for a grain of flour, even if it was filled with weevils.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Pollution, habitat loss and a pandemic-level fungus have brought countless species to the brink as researchers rush to find ways to protect the sensitive creatures.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speed. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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